What price Pagoda?

[kns]

Dear All,

I have an opportunity to acquire a second Pagoda, but this one comes in bits! It's an early right-hooker manual 230sl in 'rolling chassis' state with all other parts in boxes. There is a new panel to replace any rusted panel. The engine has been pulled apart but is all there and in reasonable condition. It will need new rubbers and seals, but beyond that any restoration other than paint is in the 'optional but not essential' category.

I appreciate that there will be different considerations and different markets in different countries, but I would be interested to hear any member's guess as to the fair price to be paid for the car as is. A range will be just as helpful; just tell me the currency for conversion!

Cheers,

kns.
1965 230SL, Manual
[1965 220SEb Coupe, Man.]

[hands_aus]

Hi,
I hope you can do a lot of the work yourself.

Did you see the 280SL recently sold on ebay from Melbourne for $33K.00... under priced in my opinion but a good buy.



Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[waltklatt]

KNS,
Sounds as you got a basket case on your hands that requires major surgery to fix and get it back into any presentable stage.
It all depends on how much the seller wants for it and how high the buyer is willing to go.
Also depends on the completeness and condition of the parts.  The price drops if the grille, bumpers and convertible top frame are missing/bad.  The price varies from car to car and from seller to seller.
Rough estimate would be $2-5K US for the car.  Cars in my past have gone from as low as $500.- for a complete basket case up to $9K for a semi rough but driveable basket case.
Walter Klatt
1967 220SL diesel
1963 230SL gas

[Naj ✝︎]

Got any pictures?

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Cees Klumper]

USD 5,000 max depending on the condition of chrome, convertible top etc. But by all means make sure it is saved!

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[kns]

Thank you all for your thoughts - it's really helpful.

Bob, I didn't see the 280 for AUD$33K, but in almost any condition that would have to be cheap here, wouldn't it? I'm guessing the mark for an honest driver is $45K+.

Naj, no pics [yet] but I feel the same as Cees - save it and build it if I can kid myself that the numbers stack up. That's what drives my question: to get a feel for how silly I can be before it just won't stack up - as Walt says, "How high the buyer is willing to go". The observations about the grille and soft-top were a very timely reminder.

Thanks again - I still welcome any other thoughts anyone may have.

Cheers.

kns.
1965 230SL, Manual
[1965 220SEb Coupe, Man.]

[hands_aus]

Kevin,
Are you referring to the ebay Victorian car?

My opinion, it is way too expensive for the condition of the car. There would be no profit for you after the car has been restored.

The sums

car needs painting ...  $10-15K.00
mechanical work?? say   $10K.00
Chrome replating  
Upholstery, carpets, soft top fabric, etc
shipping across the country $1400.00 + -

Prices could get escalate very quickly.

The Aussie market is not as strong as the USA and for a car to bring $70K.00 it has to be a 280SL with a complete restoration.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto